At a Glance

Follow the journey of Pele — Hawaii's volcano goddess — from Kilauea on Hawaii to Haleakala on Maui, to Kalaupapa on Molokai, and to bustling Waikiki on Oahu. Led by former park rangers and local historians, delight in Hawaii's natural and cultural history while you traverse through its national parks and historic sites.

Activity Level

Keep the Pace

Walking up to two miles on varied terrain. Elevations up to 10,000 feet.

Best of all, you'll ...

Study Hawaii's Volcanoes National Park with a volcanologist and get a bird's-eye view into Kilauea's crater.

Explore and study St. Damien’s ministry to Hansen's Disease patients quarantined on an isolated portion of Molokai, Kalaupapa Peninsula.

Journey on the famous road to Hana and see countless waterfalls on a scenic coastal road leading to a beautiful lunch spot with locals.

This hilarious sendup of ex-pats and their ilk, drawing on Theroux's time in the islands, where he has a home, features a full cast of eccentrics who reside in and visit a fleabag hotel on the coast of Oahu.

Osorio charts the effects of Western law on the national identity of Native Hawaiians in this political history of the Kingdom of Hawaii from the onset of constitutional government in 1840 to the Bayonet Constitution of 1887.

Laudan takes readers on a thoughtful, wide-ranging tour of Hawaii's farms and gardens, fish auctions and vegetable markets, fairs and carnivals, mom-and-pop stores and lunch wagons to uncover the delightful complexities and incongruities in Hawaii's culinary history. With 150 recipes.

Tracking the Americanization of Hawaii from the arrival of the first missionaries in 1820 to the annexation in 1898 (Queen Liliuokalani was in Washington lobbying to save her nation during the McKinley inauguration), Vowell shows the complex interplay of god, business and tradition with her usual acerbic wit (and research).

Mohr relates the gripping tale of the bubonic plague that reached Hawaii's shores just as the islands were about to become a U.S. territory through the eyes of the people caught up in the vast conflagration that engulfed Honolulu's Chinatown.

A well-researched and evocative look at the bombing of Pearl Harbor by a veteran travel writer. Clarke compares and contrasts the social life and culture of Hawaii on the day of the bombing and sixty years later, enumerating the changes wrought by WWII.

By the great French volcanologist (who died on the job on Mount Unzen in Japan in 1992), this pocket guide features hundreds of full-color paintings and traces the study of volcanoes from early myth and legend to modern science.

Trask, a descendant of the Pi'ilani line of Maui and the Kahakumakaliua line of Kauai, explores issues of racism and imperialism in Hawaii, documenting the work of native Hawaiian student organizations and the native Hawaiian self-governing organization Ka Lahuni Hawaii.

Set in Hawaii more than a century ago, Brennert's richly imagined novel of seven-year-old Rachel Kalama -- full of tales of stories of old Hawaii -- draws on historical accounts of Kalaupapa, the isolated leper colony on the island of Moloka'I.

Afternoon: Program Registration: After you have your room assignment, come over to the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing your name-tag, up-to-date schedule that reflects any last-minute changes, and other important information. If your arrival is delayed, please ask for your packet when you check in.

Dinner: At the hotel, enjoy a tasty buffet in our private room with beverage options including coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: We will have brief introductions but will call it an evening early to allow us to adjust to the time difference and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

Morning: Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Travel and transfers will be via motorcoach, bus, and/or van depending on local conditions and schedules at the time of the program. Periods in the schedule labeled and "Free Time" and "At Leisure" offer opportunities to make the program more meaningful and memorable while going out to explore on your own, engaging in available activities independently, making new friends among fellow Road Scholars, or simply relaxing. The Group Leader will always be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. After checking out of the hotel, we’ll then head out on a walking field trip led by a local expert to an overview of historic Hilo to learn about its history and culture.

Lunch: At a local restaurant, enjoy a plated meal with choice of entrée, coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: We’ll ride in a motorcoach to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and check in to our accommodations inside the park. There will be time to freshen up and relax before social hour preceding dinner.

Dinner: At Kilauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café, buffet dinner.

Evening: We’ll gather with the Group Leader for an overview of tomorrow’s activities.

Morning: We’ll be joined by a local expert for a presentation on geology and formation of the Hawaiian Islands.

Lunch: At KMC, make your own sandwiches at the deli sandwich bar.

Afternoon: Next, we’ll go for a nature walk further through the park to Volcano Art Center Gallery where local artists exhibit, then walk on to the Kilauea Visitor Center where our expert will introduce the park's most important features. Leading biologists, botanists, entomologists, ornithologists, and volcanologists contributed to a series of exhibits on everything from island formation to contemporary resource protection, all infused with the manao (wisdom) and moolelo (stories) of Hawaii’s indigenous people.

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach for multiple stops throughout field trips; driving approx. 50 miles on field trips; about 2 hours total aboard motorcoach. Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day on varied terrain; Thurston Lava Tube can be wet and slippery; about 50 stairs total up and down. We will be returning after dark; sturdy shoes, water, flashlights required. Kilauea is a dynamic volcano; lava conditions can change often.

Breakfast: KMC buffet.

Morning: We’ll depart via motorcoach on our field trip, heading first to a small museum where we can see the effects of the volcano, then have a close-up view of the crater. We'll explore Nahuku (Thurston) Lava Tube, a natural cave formed by ancient lava flow and then ride to our starting point for walking along the so-called Devastation Trail, a mile through cinder outfall remaining from the 1959 eruption.

Lunch: At the Rim Restaurant Volcano House located within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, we’ll enjoy a plated meal with non-alcoholic beverages included while soaking in glorious views of steam rising from the active crater!

Afternoon: Time for independent exploration or relaxation before we depart mid-afternoon for the lava field. Depart on motorocoach with a local expert for a drive along Chain of Craters Road. This road is one of the parks most spectacular drives, with views from mountain to the sea.

Dinner: At a restaurant in Volcano Village, we’ll have plated meals with soup or salad, entrée, and non-alcoholic beverage; other beverages available for purchase.

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach; driving approx. 110 miles total throughout the day with stops; about 2.5 hours aboard motorcoach. Walking approx. 2 miles; uneven trails, sandy paths. Puuhonoua is considered a sacred site; observe guidelines, stay on marked trails and paths, take only photographs.

Breakfast: KMC buffet.

Morning: After checking out of KMC, we’ll transfer on motorcoach to Kona, on the west coast of the island. Along the way, we’ll stop at Punaluu to see the “black sand” beach, where one can often see turtles near shore eating seaweed or sunning themselves on the warm volcanic black sand.

Lunch: At a local restaurant en route.

Afternoon: Our next field trip is to - Puuhonua o - Honaunau National Historical Park, along lava flats of the Kona Coast. A local expert will lead our exploration. The entire complex covers about 420 acres including significant sites that recall four centuries of Hawaiian history. This location was a sacred sanctuary and place of refuge in ancient times. We’ll then proceed to our hotel in Kailua-Kona and check in.

Dinner: Hotel restaurant plated meal with beverage; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

6

Kaloko-Honokohau NHP, Puukohola Heiau NHS

Kona, Big Island of Hawaii

B,L,D

Courtyard by Marriott's King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach; driving approx. 70 miles total throughout the day with stops; about 1.5 hours aboard motorcoach. Walking up to 2 miles; park-maintained, coastal, sandy and rocky trails.

Breakfast: Buffet at the hotel restaurant, Honu's on the Beach.

Morning: We will depart on bus to Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, Hawaii's newest, established in 1978 and a culturally significant Ancient Hawaiian settlement. We will then travel to Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site, "The temple on the hill of the Whale.” Built by Kamehameha I in 1790-1791 to incur the favor of the war god, Kukailimoku, this was the last major heiau (temple) built in the islands.

Lunch: Boxed lunch at a coastal beach.

Afternoon: We’ll linger at the beach to catch glimpses of turtles and reef fish or just relax in the Hawaiian breeze. We’ll then return to the hotel with time to freshen up before dinner.

Dinner: At the hotel restaurant, plated meal.

Evening: At leisure to prepare for tomorrow's departure to Maui.

DAY

7

Fly to Maui, Iao Valley

Kahului, Maui, HI

B,L,D

Maui Beach Hotel

Activity note: The flight is short but the trip could take 3-4 hours due to transfer times. Flight departure is subject to schedules at the time of the program & could be before or after lunch. Boarding bus; driving approx. 14 miles; up to 45 hour depending on Maui Traffic. Walking on uneven ground, standing during field trip. Up to 2 miles walking during the course of the day. During the Iao Valley field trip, there is an option of climbing 131 stairs to the top or staying on the bus.

Breakfast: At the hotel restaurant, buffet.

Morning: After checking out of the hotel, we’ll transfer with luggage via motorcoach to Kona International Airport.

Lunch: At Kona Airport.

Afternoon: We will fly to Maui Island. Upon arrival, we will collect our luggage and ride via motorcoach with a local expert to Iao Valley State Park. Lush green Iao Valley is a sacred site to the Hawaiian people and is the historic location of a fierce battle between Maui warriors and the army of Kamehameha I. We will discuss the area's natural and cultural history. We’ll proceed late afternoon to our hotel and check in.

Dinner: At the hotel restaurant, plated meal with non-alcoholic beverage. Other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

8

Road to Hana

Kahului, Maui, HI

B,L,D

Maui Beach Hotel

Activity note: The drive to Hana is about 50 miles but can take time due to hundreds of curves, many hairpin turns, & 54 narrow bridges. If you are susceptible to motion sickness, consider an appropriate remedy. Getting on and off bus, driving approx. 100 miles, altogether 3.5 hours on bus. Up to 2 miles walking during the course of the day.

Breakfast: Hotel plated breakfast.

Morning: We’ll embark on a field trip to Hana in the East End of Maui, one of the most isolated towns in Hawaii. The journey takes some time — and stamina! — but we will be rewarded with views of the last undeveloped tropical paradise on the island, and the only coastal rainforest reachable by vehicles. Lush landscapes dotted with waterfalls on one side and rugged shoreline on the other, the pristine natural beauty provides a vivid sense of how the islands used to be. Commentary en route. We will then visit the largest temple in Polynesia with our expert for an on-sight presentation.

Lunch: Picnic lunch along the coastline in Hana.

Afternoon: We’ll make our return trip to the hotel with time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

Dinner: Hotel plated dinner.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

9

Haleakala National Park, Plantation Towns

Kahului, Maui, HI

B,L,D

Maui Beach Hotel

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach; driving approx. 90 miles total throughout the day with stops; about 3 hours altogether. Walking up to 2 miles total for the day; some uneven terrain and dirt trails. Bring sturdy walking shoes and sun protection is recommended.

Breakfast: Hotel plated breakfast.

Morning: Via motorcoach with a local expert, enjoy a spectacular day in Haleakala National Park and the summit area of Haleakala, an active shield volcano. Learn about Hawaii's indigenous animals and plants, including the endemic Ahinahina (silversword). The park is recognized as an International Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations.

Lunch: At a restaurant in Kula (elevation 3,200').

Afternoon: After lunch, we will travel to the plantation towns of up-country Maui, including Olinda, Makawao, and Paia, and stop at an overlook at Hookipa Beach Park to see any wind surfers who may be out.

Dinner: At a local restaurant within walking distance of the hotel.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for transfer in the morning.

DAY

10

Class, Lahaina, Ferry to Molokai, Check In

Kahului, Maui, HI

B,L,D

Hotel Molokai

Activity note: Walking on sidewalks in Lahaina town. Ferry ride is approximately 2 hours, depending on local conditions. If you are susceptible to motion sickness, consider an appropriate remedy.

Breakfast: Hotel plated breakfast.

Morning: In the hotel meeting room, we’ll be joined by a local expert for a class, "Where did Everyone Come From?" . After classe, check out of the hotel and depart via motorcoach for lunch in Lahaina.

Lunch: Buffet lunch at Pioneer Inn.

Afternoon: At Leisure. You may wish to venture on the Lahaina Restoration Foundation’s self-led route through town to see an array of culturally and historically significant sites. Vouchers will be provided for entrance to several Lahaina museums on Front Street. Lahaina was a longtime residence of kings and chiefs of Maui, and served as the capital of the united kingdom of Hawaii from 1820-1845. It was also a key port for the whaling industry as well as a center of missionary activities. Today, this is some of the most expensive real estate in the islands. We’ll rendezvous at Lahaina Harbor and then board the ferry for the ride to Molokai island.

Dinner: At a local Molokai restaurant, plated dinner.

Evening: We’ll check in to our hotel in Molokai towards the end of the evening.

Morning: The Nene, a species of goose that is Hawaii’s state bird, has struggled for many years to survive the effects of human depredation. Conservation efforts including breeding programs are helping. We will visit the private property of a non-profit organization that supports Nene breeding to see and learn more about these endangered birds. We’ll walk to a pond where we are likely to see some of these birds — the most endangered goose in the world — and other birds of the Hawaiian flyway. We’ll hear from an expert and will also walk out to see sand dunes to learn about indigenous plants. Our Molokai Museum and Cultural Center field trip features the former Rudolph W. Meyer Sugar Mill (1878), now restored to operation with its century-old steam engine, mule-driven cane crusher, and other vintage equipment. A museum docent will take us on an historical walk through the Mill, on the State and National Register of Historic Places. We’ll examine the original Mill equipment and handwritten records of the German-Hawaiian family who started it all. In the museum gallery exhibit on Kalaupapa history, artifacts from patients are on display.

Lunch: Boxed lunch at a west end beach.

Afternoon: We’ll have some time to go beachcombing on Hawaii’s longest, white sand beach. Dip your toes in the ocean!

Dinner: At a Molokai restaurant, plated dinner.

Evening: We’ll gather for a preview of tomorrow's schedule and activities.

DAY

12

Air Shuttles to Kalaupapa National Historical Park

Kaunakakai, Molokai

B,L,D

Hotel Molokai

Activity note: Shuttle flights of approximately 15 minutes will be via 9-passenger, twin-engine prop planes. Getting on/off a school bus (non-A/C) in Kalaupapa, light walking. 20 miles to and from Molokai airport.

Breakfast: At the hotel, plated.

Morning: We’ll transfer to Molokai Airport and board small commuter planes for the short flight down to Kalaupapa National Historical Park. There, we’ll board a school bus for our field trip to the isolated peninsula where Father Damien ministered to leprosy patients. Hansen's disease (leprosy) was first diagnosed in the Hawaiian islands in 1853. Little more than a decade later, it had spread, causing great fear. After several attempts at creating care and treatment centers in different places, those with the disease were required to move to an isolated settlement on Molokai in 1866. A number of religious workers and other volunteers came to provide care for the residents. The most famous of these was Joseph De Veuster, a Belgian who became a priest in the Roman Catholic order of the Sacred Heart and took the name Father Damien. He was a dynamo of activity, not only providing medical care to settlement residents, but also building houses, organizing activities, and pressuring the kingdom of Hawaii to provide more resources. Father Damien’s efforts attracted worldwide attention for those with Hansen’s disease and the needs of those on Molokai in particular. The settlement gradually became a place to live rather than die. After working in the settlement for 12 years, Father Damien contracted Hansen’s disease. He died in 1889 at the age of 49. His life of devotion inspired multitudes, and he was canonized as Saint Damien of Molokai in 2009.

Lunch: Boxed lunch at Kalaupapa.

Afternoon: When our field trip ends, we’ll return via bus and air shuttles to Molokai Airport and back to the hotel.

Dinner: Transfer in vans to Molokai Museum and Cultural Center for Hawaiian Paina/Luau. Experience a traditional luau in your honor through food, and music. The luau is prepared by the staff with an array of local food selection.

Evening: Return to hotel, prepare for departure in the morning.

DAY

13

Fly to Oahu, USS Arizona, Punchbowl

Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii

B,L,D

Waikiki Resort Hotel

Activity note: Boarding bus; driving approx. 20 miles; up to 1 hour depending on Honolulu Traffic. Walking up to 1.5 mile during the course of the day on streets and sidewalks. Be aware that boat rides out to the USS Arizona Memorial are sometimes suspended or cancelled due to high winds or strong water currents. This decision is made by the U.S. Navy, which operates the boats to the memorial, and is for the safety of all guests.

Breakfast: At the hotel, plated.

Morning: Check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for our flight to Oahu Island.

Lunch: A plated meal at a local restaurant, choose from a select menu of dishes available.

Afternoon: After claiming our luggage, we’ll transfer via motorcoach to Pearl Harbor where we will visit the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument. While here, we’ll view a historical film in the park theater, take a launch boat ride across Pearl Harbor to the USS Arizona Memorial with National Park Service rangers, and upon returning, have some time to explore the museum. From there we will drive through The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, commonly known as “Punchbowl.” We are not permitted to get off the bus but will have commentary aboard. We will transfer to our Waikiki hotel and check in later afternoon.

Dinner: We will walk to a popular Waikiki restaurant near the hotel to enjoy a delicious, plated meal with beverage options including soft drink, iced tea or coffee; other beverages available for purchase

Evening: At leisure. Suggested Evening Activity: Visit the original site of the Hawaii Calls radio program, the Banyan Court, at the Sheraton Moana Surfrider Hotel.

DAY

14

Oahu East End, Pali Lookout, Historic Honolulu

Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii

B,L,D

Waikiki Resort Hotel

Activity note: Boarding bus; driving approx. 40 miles; up to 2 hours depending on Oahu Traffic. Walking up to 1.5 mile during the course of the day on streets and sidewalks.

Morning: We begin the day with a drive around Oahu’s spectacular east end by Diamond Head along a coastal road providing spectacular views. We’ll continue with a scenic stop at the Koolau Mountains’ beautiful and historic Pali Lookout, and a drive through Historic Honolulu including Chinatown, downtown Honolulu, and the historic capitol district with a local expert before returning to the hotel.

Lunch: Plated lunch at a downtown Honolulu restaurant.

Afternoon: At leisure.

Dinner: Enjoy a wonderful farewell plated meal served with nonalcoholic beverages at a local restaurant that boasts spectacular views of Waikiki. Other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure. Say farewell to new Road Scholar friends and prepare for departure in the morning.

DAY

15

Program Concludes

Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii

B

Activity note: Hotel check-out is by 11:00 am.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet. This concludes our program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys! Aloha!

Meals

41 Meals

14 Breakfasts

13 Lunches

14 Dinners

The following choices may be available when requested in advance:

Lodging

Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.

Comfortable, laid back Hilo is the gateway to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and an authentic taste of Hawaii's Big Island. The Hilo Hawaiian Hotel is located right on Hilo Bay and only two miles from Hilo Airport. Old banyan trees line the drive to the hotel, most of which were planted in the 1930's by celebrities such as Babe Ruth, Amelia Earhart and Cecil B. DeMille. Mauna Kea looms in the background and the arched bridge that leads to Coconut Island is only steps from the doors of the property. The hotel is flanked by a beautiful beach, the Liliuokalani Gardens and the Naniloa Country Club.

Kilauea Military Camp (KMC) is a historic mountain-top setting inside the park, yards from the summit caldera of Kilauea; its history is as old as Hawaii Volcanoes National Park itself, having been established in the same year-1916. It began as an idea of a training ground for the National Guard and an Army "vacation and health recruiting station" and over the years, it has housed a Navy camp, hosted numerous dignitaries including General Dwight D. Eisenhower, and briefly served as an internment camp and later as a prisoner-of-war camp during World War II. While KMC still maintains its historical charm, renovations to the camp in the last decade have enhanced its facilities and services making it one of the military’s favorite vacation locations. Only America’s military members, their families, and other categories of special-approved patrons are permitted to enjoy its rustic charms and well-situated facilities.

The Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel is a beachfront hotel located on the Big Island of Hawaii's Kona Coast and is 8 miles from Kona International Airport and 105 miles from the city of Hilo. This former king's residence in the heart of the historic fishing village of Kailua-Kona overlooks Kamakahonu Bay and is within easy walking distance to Hulihee Palace, shops, and restaurants in town. Historic artifacts and images are located throughout the hotel.

This basic, two to three-star kamaaina (local) property is situated on the harbor in the heart of Kahului, Maui and is conveniently located near the airport and program sites. Despite its name, there is not a swimming beach. However, there are several lovely beaches 30 minutes away (shuttles available or cars can be rented from airport). There is a large shopping mall within easy walking distance across the street.

Hotel Molokai, the only hotel on the island of Molokai, is a rural, relaxed oasis in a busy world. With its charming A-frame architecture, Polynesian-style decor, ocean front detached cottages, and location a few miles from Kaunakakai town, it is a genuine hideaway and treasure from all things mainstream. There is breathtaking natural beauty, deserted beaches, no high-rise buildings, and an ‘old’ Hawaii feel in Molokai.

The Waikiki Resort Hotel is very well located in the heart of Waikiki, half a block away from the Kuhio Beach section of world famous Waikiki Beach and in the shadow of iconic Diamond Head. Being near Kuhio Beach is a real plus, as it is the most interesting part of Waikiki Beach because it is wide, sandy, nicely landscaped, and it is home to the beachboy stands which send out surfers and outrigger canoes. The hotel is also within walking distance of other popular attractions such as Kapiolani Park (great for morning or evening walks), the Honolulu Zoo, the Waikiki Aquarium, the International Marketplace, and a multitude of restaurants and other attractions.

This was an exceptional experience that changed my perception of Hawaii as simply a beach-based tourist vacation. It included fascinating learning experiences about volcanoes, nature, culture, history and more. Flying in small planes out to visit the leper colony on Molokai was a highlight as well as seeing hot lava bubbling out of a volcano at night. Can't recommend this program enough for those who like the outdoors and who love learning. Loved this trip!

If you desire a trip to the Hawaiian Islands to be immersed in the beauty, culture, history, spirit, ecology, and people...this is the trip for you! I cannot believe how much territory and subject matter we covered in this 15 day excursion to four islands. I feel like I know the island better than any resort vacationer as we were immersed in everything Hawaiian. I highly recommend this trip.

For anyone who wants to learn more about the history of Hawaii -- both its land and its people -- this is the trip for you. Two of the national parks, Volcanoes and Haleakala, explored the geologic formation of the islands. The national historical parks explored the history of the Hawaiian people. Other excursions explored both. At the end of the trip was the Arizona memorial in Pearl Harbor, so beautiful and moving. This trip was packed with activities and field trips, at times exhausting, but always interesting. I am left with beautiful photographs and even more beautiful memories.

Let me say that if you are a prima donna, reconsider this trip. You will stay in a military camp and a place that has no AC and has chickens and roosters. If you only know upscale type hotels, this is not for you, however we did stay in nice places as well. But, this trip is AWESOME!!! It was transformative for me. We saw active lava, steam vents, waterfalls, cliffs, amazing beaches and much more. We were a group of 17 plus our leader, Susan McGovern (amazing I must say) and we seemed to be cohesive and friendly. Going to Molokai and Kalaupapa was definitely not on the beaten path of tours, so that was introspective and amazing. I didn't want the typical touristy corny trip, so this trip fit my needs. If you are looking for a Luau that is commercial, you won't get it on this trip. We attended a real family gathering as the word "Luau" was coined by a travel writer in the l950s. In Molakai, we ate all types of REAL Hawaiian food, things you would never get at a Hilton hotel Luau. There were so many activities and experiences we had, but the capper was seeing the lava flowing at night. Swimming in amazing beaches was spectacular. Our food was wholesome and adequate but if you are a snobby foodie, you would not be happy. It was fine for me, but then again, I am a simple person!! This was a wonderful trip with an amazing leader (Susan McGovern) and I would recommend it to anyone who can walk the walk (up to 2 miles on some fairly rough terrain) and see the beauty of the Hawaiian Islands.

This was my first Road Scholar trip and also my first visit to Hawaii. Overall, I was very happy with it. I probably now know more about the history, geology, and biology of Hawaii than of my home state.
The group was big (32 people). Surprisingly, I found this more of a feature than a bug. It was a surprisingly congenial group and, moreover, uniformly on time for departures.
My own interests are primarily nature photography, and the trip was not set up to cater to serious photographers (nor was it advertised to be). Although generally there was ample time for photography, sometimes -- as when the bus only slowed at a point of interest -- it was a bit frustrating. The trip met my photographic expectations, if not my photographic wishes. I did manage to take a lot of photos, as you can see at www.tinyurl.com/HawaiiRSBestOf

Road Scholar offers so much more than just a visit to another country, or sitting on a white sandy beach working on your tan. One can really learn so much about the people and their culture, and how the history, geology and geography of place have influenced their lives. An amazing opportunity not to be missed!